From two-lane streets shaded by lush tree canopies to complex parkways lined with medians and guardrails, more than 7,000 lane miles of public roads span the county. Spotting litter, overgrown medians and worn infrastructure can make a leisurely weekend drive seem less scenic or navigating a commute during rush hour more irritating.
When residents notice a problem with a road, their first reaction may be to contact the county, but very few miles of public roadway are maintained by Fairfax County. Nearly all the roads in the county are maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). It’s a vast network of roadways to cover.
That’s why keeping our roadways clean, safe and visually appealing is a shared effort involving the state, county and residents working together. Here are three ways to help.
Adopt-a-Highway
The Adopt-a-Highway program, established in the 1980s, enlists the support of more than 20,000 volunteers in removing litter from Virginia roadsides. Participants commit to cleaning their designated roadway segments at least twice a year for a period of three years.
VDOT supports these efforts by providing safety equipment, trash bags and signage recognizing the group's commitment. Research has shown that Adopt-a-Highway roadsides are less littered than those maintained by road crews alone. This initiative not only enhances the visual appeal of roadways but also prevents litter from entering local waterways, contributing to environmental preservation.
Land Use and Landscaping Permits
VDOT's Land Use Permits allow residents, businesses and organizations to perform work within the state highway right-of-way, including landscaping activities. These permits ensure that all work complies with VDOT standards and policies, preserving the integrity and functionality of the highway system. In Fairfax County, the local VDOT district office processes these permits, facilitating community efforts to beautify and maintain public spaces.
Report Maintenance Issues: VDOT Customer Service Center
Residents are encouraged to report road hazards, such as potholes, damaged signs or debris, by contacting VDOT's 24-hour Customer Service Center or by calling 1-800-367-7623 (1-800-FOR-ROAD). Prompt reporting helps VDOT address maintenance concerns efficiently, ensuring safer and cleaner roadways for all.
More Information
- Virginia Adopt-a-Highway Program
- Land Use and Landscaping Permits
- Report Road Hazards or call 1-800-367-7623 (1-800-FOR-ROAD)
- County Litter Clean Up Opportunities
- County Illegal Sign Removal
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